Preparing for the arrival of your first baby can feel like a massive undertaking with an endless list of things to get.
Newborns need so many items it can be hard to figure out precisely what should go in your diaper bag.
To assist new parents in staying prepared and organized on the go, I have created a comprehensive checklist of diaper bag essentials for newborns.
This checklist provides detailed guidance on everything from changing supplies to comfort items to ensure that moms and dads have a fully stocked and ready diaper bag for any outing with their precious little one.
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Table of Contents
Newborn Diaper Bag Essentials
1. Diapers
Your first diaper bag essential is diapers! Pack 1-2 per hour plus an extra.
It’s always better to have extra!
2. Baby Wipes
Wipes are an obvious essential for any diaper bag. One pack of baby wipes is sufficient. I used WaterWipes and Pampers Aqua Pure wipes with my newborn.
3. Diaper Cream
Can’t forget the diaper cream (aka diaper balm aka diaper paste aka diaper ointment). My favorite diapers creams to use on my baby was the:
4. Disposable Diaper Bag
I used to think disposable diaper bags were unnecessary, as I could simply dispose of the diaper in the nearest trash can.
However, one day, my daughter had a massive diaper blowout, and the disposable bags came in handy. Using one bag for the soiled diaper and wipes and another for the dirty baby clothes made a world of difference.
I used the Munchkin brand, but the Ubbi brand is really cute, either one is great!
I highly recommend getting disposable diaper bags.
Post you may also like: 38 Baby Things To Buy Before Birth!
5. Pacifier
Newborns don’t always take to pacifiers immediately because they are different from the breast and don’t produce milk, but they can help soothe the baby. Pacifiers can also help new parents distinguish between hungry cries and tired cries.
6. Pacifier Case
I love having a separate case to store clean pacifiers when I’m on the go. It’s easy to find them!
7. Diaper Changing Pad
Changing pads are always a must-have in a diaper bag. Newborns tend to have many blowouts, which you may have already discovered or will soon experience.
It is up to you whether you would like to carry a reusable or disposable changing pad in your diaper bag.
Typically, I carried only my reusable diaper-changing pad. However, I have encountered dirty public bathrooms, so having disposable diaper changing pads on hand may be useful in such situations.
You can place the disposable changing pads down first and then the reusable changing pad on top.
8. Extra Baby Outfits
It’s always better to be prepared when you have a newborn. You never know what to expect, so it’s a good idea to carry extra clothes in your diaper bag when you’re on the go. This way, you’ll be ready for possible baby spit-ups and diaper blowouts.
9. Socks and Hat
Socks and newborn hats are essential items for a newborn’s diaper bag. They help regulate body temperature in cooler seasons.
10. Milk and Bottles
Being well-prepared for your newborn’s feeding time is crucial, especially since they feed every 2-3 hours.
A good rule of thumb is to bring one bottle of milk for every 2-3 hours you’ll be out, plus one extra since newborns can cluster feed unexpectedly.
Also, accidents can also happen, like when a bottle of milk spills, which can be a nightmare if you don’t have a backup.
I exclusively pumped for 14 months, and I didn’t bring extra milk once, and it’s a day I’ll never forget.
Here’s a tip: if you prepare your baby’s milk bottles in advance, you can cover them with a baby bottle screw-on lid instead of the nipple and cap to prevent the milk from spilling into your diaper bag.
Post you may also like: How To Create a Simple Exclusive Pumping Schedule for Newborns
11. Burp Cloth
During feeding time, burp cloths are an essential item to have in your diaper bag. I found that using burp cloths instead of bibs was more practical since my daughter didn’t spill her milk while feeding.
They can also be used as a bib by placing the burp cloth under your baby’s chin during feeding and then as a burp cloth when needed.
12. Baby Blanket
A baby blanket can be incredibly versatile while on the go!
Newborns love to be snuggled, so you can use the blanket to keep your baby warm in their car seat or stroller during walks.
Additionally, you can use it to shield your baby from the sun or while breastfeeding by placing it over you and your baby.
13. Thermometer
Being a new parent can be quite a lot, and it’s normal to worry about the well-being of your newborn. I know this all too well from personal experience.
When our baby feels warm, the first thing that comes to mind is whether it’s time to rush to the hospital or if everything is okay.
That’s why carrying a thermometer is essential to avoid unnecessary stress.
Optional
a. Nail Buffer
b. Portable Sound Machine
c. Portable Bottle Warmer
a. Nail Buffer / Nail Clipper
Newborns have sharp nails, and when you trim them, they seem to grow back almost instantly!
Unfortunately, it’s usually when you’re out and about that you realize you forgot to cut your baby’s nails, and before you know it, your baby has accidentally scratched their face.
For this reason, I highly recommend keeping a baby nail clipper or buffer in your diaper bag.
b. Portable Sound Machine
If you have a baby, you probably know that a sound machine can be very helpful in getting them to sleep. I never thought to include a portable sound machine in my baby’s diaper bag, but looking back, it would have been a great addition.
c. Portable Bottle Warmer
While I did not require a portable milk warmer, it could be because I did not venture out much.
Whenever I did go out, it was usually to someone’s place, where I found it easy to warm up my baby’s milk.
However, if you are using baby formula or traveling with breastmilk and are looking for a convenient option, consider the Baby’s Brew portable bottle warmer.
Mom Diaper Bag Essentials
1. Hand Sanitizer Wipes / Disenfective Wipes
The hand sanitizing wipes are great for cleaning your hands and disinfecting surfaces when you’re away from a sink.
2. Extra Outfit
It is crucial to be well-prepared when taking care of babies and toddlers.
Carrying extra clothes for the parent in the diaper bag is necessary to handle situations like leaking breasts, newborn spit-up, diaper blowouts, and even pee that may come out of the diaper and onto your lap.
3. Fast Portable Charger
Having a dead phone while on the go with a newborn can be extremely stressful. Therefore, being prepared and carrying a fast, portable charger is necessary!
4. Water Bottle
Carrying a water bottle in your diaper bag is essential as it will remind you to drink enough water, which is crucial for your recovery and producing more breast milk, especially if you are breastfeeding your baby.
Additionally, having water with you will be useful if you need to rinse something off.
Post you may also like: 13 Exclusively Pumping Must Haves: Succeed At Breastfeeding Even As A New Mom!
5. Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are diaper bags essential for moms experiencing milk leakage or sore nipples from breastfeeding or pumping.
While on the go, I used disposable nursing pads for milk leakage but reusable nursing pads at home.
6. Portable Breast Pump
If you are exclusively pumping milk like I used to, then having a portable breast pump in your diaper bag is essential.
This one time, I forgot to bring extra milk, and the milk bottle leaked into my bag. It could have saved me from the situation if I had brought my breast pump. But, unfortunately, I didn’t have it with me.
As they say, you live and learn!
A great option for a portable, hands-free breast pump is the Willow 3.0 Wearable Breast Pump.
Post you may also like: 7 Exclusively Pumping Tips for Beginners!
Optional
a. Lip Balm
b. Hand Cream
c. Hair Tie
Last Thoughts
Always keep the diaper essentials in your diaper bag and have extras at home when it comes to diaper bags.
This way, you won’t have to pack everything from scratch each time you go out.
You can add new milk bottles, your breast pump, or anything else used during your last outing that needs replacing.
I hope you found this list of newborn diaper bag essentials simple and helpful.
